Primrose Hill Manor: Summer Has Arrived! At Long Last.
Summer has arrived! At long last.
I wanted this post to be about the blessings, the discoveries, and the surprises that I’ve discovered over the spring, but the truth is that my life has been moving at lightning speed. As I write, we’re now full swing into summer living. Where has the time gone?
And, because my life is busier than ever, today’s blog is going to be a quick one. I know, I know, many of you are curious (and I thank you for that), but a full house restoration project is no easy task — even for a team of folks, never mind a single momma like me. Yet, admittedly, taking the easy route has never been my style. So onward I go!
Progress at the pool!
The labour-intensive pool restoration work is finally complete, and the pool has been filled with water (all 30,000 gallons of it). I’m so pleased. It’s a beautiful pool with a gorgeous shape — and once it's fully landscaped and styled with lounges and umbrellas and urns of flowers it'll be the perfect backdrop for a splendid, sun-dappled Great Gatsby lawn party. A dream I’m tucking away for another day!
I took my first dip to initiate this most welcome addition to the Manor this past weekend. Alone, without a single visitor or kiddo in sight.
In many ways, it almost seemed fitting that I celebrate this huge accomplishment by myself. This love affair with Primrose Hill has been a very personal one, starting from when I was a little girl.
So many of you have been rooting for me on my journey that maybe the pool should have been filled with joyful revellers (following all COVID guidelines, of course). Truthfully, though, this journey is one I’m taking alone.
So in I went, wading through the frigid waters. After I acclimated to the ice-cold water, I took a moment to breathe, to appreciate, and to be grateful. Thinking back, I’m glad the first dip was a quiet, reflective experience.
It was perfect.
My renovation vocabulary grows and grows.
As for the Manor itself, my walls and ceilings are getting a complete overhaul. “Skimming” and “mudding” are two new words in my renovation vocabulary. I have to say this here, my walls are pure perfection. It’s odd to say, perhaps, but true: They look like walls you’d get in a custom new-build! And I mean that in the best possible way.
Hats off to my main contractor, Paul, and to my mudders, Patrick and Vlad, who are doing expert work making this home feel “reborn” — with walls as smooth as the proverbial baby’s bottom!
If this home could talk, she’d be filled with gratitude.
On to the “fun” stuff!
Sadly, a lot of the money you spend on a renovation, and especially on a restoration, is on things no one even sees. Not only are they items that absolutely have to be addressed, they’re some of the most costly! That can be frustrating for an impatient person like me, who just wants to get to the “pretty.” Next on the list, though, are the lead-up steps to my favourite part of this whole process.
Painting begins on the second floor this week, which means flooring and decorating will happen not long after that. For me, that’s when the real fun begins. I opted for carpets in the bedrooms as the floors were not in good condition, and to be honest, I have no idea how cold this home is going to be this coming winter. Choosing “cozy” just felt right.
Garden gifts surprise me every day!
Although I’m not in touch with the previous homeowner, I feel like a thank-you is in order. So many garden beds are filled with peonies and Siberian irises, two of my all-time favourites.
How did I become so fortunate to own a home where every corner of the grounds is bursting with these gorgeous blooms? I pinch myself every day and am forever grateful.
With that, I will say farewell (for now). I hope the sun is shining wherever you are.
Paulette at Primrose Hill. xo
P.S. I know many of you originally found me on Instagram. If you found me in some other way, and you don’t know about my Instagram account, please feel free to give me a follow (@primrosehillmanor). I try to post stories regularly. Cheers!
